Dana White gets an opponent for Ilia Topuria as Ex-UNFC Title Contender offers to step in

Then knocked out Max Holloway—Hvile actually weight class could be easy –Ilia Topuria has set UFC’s department of 155 lb on notice. He has also made it clear that he would love nothing but a super fight with master Islam Makhachev. While this will mark Topuria’s permanent relocation up to lightweight, this is not the first time he has struggled with that weight during his five-year UFC EMPLOYMENT. But before he gets his wish, “There is a lot of s ** t right now,” According to Dana White, which means a shot at Makhachev is not a formality. Even the Chael Sonnen has said that Topuria has to prove herself as a top lightweight before a fight against Dagestani becomes a reality. ‘El Matador’ is also aware that he has to earn his stripes by fighting a top competition before he gets a crack from the title. The problem is who will meet him?

In his honor, Topuria has vacated its featherweight title to fully commit to his move to the light division. Although Deigo Lopes claimed it was UFC who forced his hand as they are no longer willing to arrange Champion VS Champion matches, the reality is that Topuria is more than ready to take on the light division. All he needs is a front from White over his first opponent when he returned to the division, and it seems he may just have a challenger.

At the UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from his fight against Makhachev and we saw Renato Moicano step up to save the day. However, this Beneil Dariush left behind without an opponent after he originally flipped in for a match against the Brazilian. But ‘Benny’ is eager to find his own way and put a challenge for Topuria.

During a recent conversation with Submission radiohe said“To be honest with you, Bro sees, just as no one seems to fight for Ilia Topuria. If it is an option. I’ll take that fight. Bro, he’s such a big fighter. Like what an option. I would very much like to fight him. “ But the interviewer, Dennis Shkuratov, was not satisfied. He wanted the Iranian-American fighter to break down the procedure toward Ilia Topuria. If the fight gets the gap for the powerful.

“You have to mitigate his power because he has such power in his hands. You are able to fight with him because he is a big grappler and then ultimately you need to be aware of his ability to change the game. Because everyone every time they think of Ilia, they think of ‘Oh Boxing Boxing’, but his last two struggle both Holloway and Volkanovski do you know what he was doing? He took advantage of, ” Dariush explained.

Topuria managed to defeat Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski In his previous last matches and both were cow victories. When his opponents were concerned about his boxing, the Spanish kicked them upcoming and forced his opponents to break their guard. That’s when he went in with his boxing and fell Holloway and Volkanovski. Although Holloway and ‘The Great’ were quick with their strikes, it was Topuria’s precision and power that got him prevail.

Darius, who throws his hat in the ring to meet Topuria, is interesting. If Ilia Topuria can take down a fight -tested veteran like Beneil Dariush, it would immediately legitimize his easy ambitions. But if Dariush stops Topuria’s meteoric climb, he won’t just dampen the hype – he sits right back in the title HUNT.

According to Dariush, Dana White Should actually pit him together against the Georgian-Spanish fighter. He was talking about the challenge of meeting Topuria, he added, “You need to be aware of where the danger is. And I think the father is everywhere when you fight against such a guy and I think I’m rounded enough to beat him. It’s just about the opportunity. Should I have that opportunity? “

It’s a question Dana White can answer and he might just go in that direction.

Last week after the UFC Fight Night, White Topuria’s lightweight features addressed and confirmed to give up his featherweight title. White said that while the fighter jet had gone around its decision in the right way, a shot against Makhachev was not a straightforward deal.

“He said,” I’ve done everything I can do here, I’m ready to move up “and he vacated it. He said, ‘I should not keep up any options.’ I respect when guys do. There are still other options. A lot of shit that is going on right now, otherwise I would have (announced his next match otherwise), ” Said White.

While Ilia Topuria has a flawless 16-0 record that includes impressive gains, this will not be his first step into the light division. After signing with the UFC, he struggled to find matches of 145 kg and took the chance to fight Jai Herbert on lightweight at UFC London in 2022.

In the opening round, Topuria fought because of the obvious size disadvantage and even fell after receiving a main kick. But he managed to survive, and in the next round his credentials proved when he knocked Herbert out after landing a right hand. Despite his current stature and past experience, Chael Sonnen Topuria believes must prove first.

“Ilia does not leave and mention Ilia. It would look like Ilia will have to fight first. Ilia vs. Islam is working right now, (but) it’s not a massive battle. However, Ilia vs. Islam, if Ilia defeats Charles (Oliveira) first, a complete other conversation. It can’t go right now – you have to get Ilia to prove that he can do it and that either leading you through (Arman) Tsarukyan or it leads you through Charles, ” The son said on his YouTube channel.

Now the question is left who will Ilia Topuria only now that Beneil Dariush has offered an opportunity for White and Co. Well, back in October 2024, Dariush had a completely different matchup ready for the former feather weight master.

Dariush wanted Ilia Topuria to fight Arman Tsarukyan by lightweight

Earlier in October 2024, Dariush had a brief conversation with David Schmulenson, popularly known as Schmo. It was also the time Ilia Topuria defended her title against Max Holloway and expressed his interest in coming up to another title.

As per Dariush, Topuria should have been paired with Arman Tsarukyan. He said“Maybe it’s Topuria (against Arman Tsarukyan). If Ilia comes up, it may be the fight they put together. If Ilia appears, they may be able to arrange a match. ” Well, fighting the biggest challenger would actually put him closer to the lightweight title shot.

However, the Topuria championship wanted match against Makhachev right away. That was the only reason he jumped to the light division, right? One of the Spaniards’ close comrades said it Tass“Ilia wants a championship match. He will not fight for the status of a challenger with Tsarukyan or anyone else. “ This also put Dariush on the sidelines. So who does he need to fight to prove himself worthy of the lightweight title shot?

On the other hand there are fighters like the # 2 lightweight competitor Charles Oliveiraor the No. 3 lightweight locations, Justin Gaethje. Tsarukyan, who was to fight Makhachev on UFC 311, withdrew from the fight due to his back injury. And that was the thing that cost him his title shot. Now he has to participate in Topuria and compete for a lightweight title.

Who do you think will Ilia Topuria end up fighting? Will it be Beneil Dariush, Arman Tsaruksyan or another top lightweight? Tell us your thoughts in the comment below.